Se-Eun Kim

Protective effect of morin on the imipenem-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits

The present study investigated the protective effect of morin, a natural flavonoid, on the imipenem-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits. Nephrotoxicity of imipenem was examined after the intravenous administrations of imipenem (200 mg/kg) to rabbits in the presence and the absence of morin (12, 25, 50 mg/kg, p.o.). Cytotoxicity of imipenem was also examined in the presence and the absence of morin (100 μM) by using MDCK cells overexpressing human organic anion transporter 1 and 3 (MDCK/hOAT1 or MDCK/hOAT3). Intravenous dosing of imipenem alone induced severe proximal tubular necrosis in rabbits, however, the concurrent use of morin (25 or 50 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly suppressed the histopathological damage in the kidney induced by imipenem. While imipenem was not cytotoxic in MDCK/hOAT1 cells over the tested concentrations up to 10 mM, it showed significant cellular toxicity with CC50 of 0.77 mM in MDCK/hOAT3 cells, implying that OAT3 may involve more actively in the imipeneminduced nephrotoxicity. In addition, the cellular toxicity of imipenem decreased by approximately 20 folds in the presence of morin in MDCK/hOAT3 cells. In conclusion, the present study suggests that morin might be beneficial to reduce the nephrotoxicity of imipenem, at least in part, via the inhibition of OAT3-mediated renal excretion of imipenem.

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Extract in a Steroid-induced Polycystic Ovary Murine Model

Experimental induction of polycystic ovary (PCO) in rodent resembling some aspects of human PCO syndrome was produced using the long-acting compound estradiol valerate (EV). Our previous study on the role of Korean red ginseng total saponins in a steroid-induced PCO rat model demonstrated that electro-acupuncture modulates nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration in the ovaries. In fact, the involvement of a neurogenic component in the pathology of PCO-related ovarian dysfunction is preceded by an increase in sympathetic outflow to the ovaries. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) administration modulates sympathetic nerve activity in PCO-induced rats. This was done by analyzing NGF protein and NGF mRNA expression involved in the pathophysiological process underlying steroid-induced PCO. EV injection resulted in significantly higher ovarian NGF protein and NGF mRNA expression in PCO-induced rats compared to control rats, and PCO ovaries were counteracted by KRGE administration with significantly lower expression of NGF protein and NGF mRNA compared to EV treated ovaries. These results indicate that EV modulates the neurotrophic state of the ovaries, which may be a component of the pathological process by which EV induces cyst formation and anovulation in rodents.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Base of the Tongue in a Dog

It is difficult to detect and diagnose a mass at the tongue base, particularly if the mass is located under normal appearing mucosa. Computed tomography (CT), particularly post-contrast images, is useful to evaluate a tongue mass and adjacent structures including cervical lymph nodes. Nevertheless, a definitive diagnosis of a mass is obtained by histopathological examination. In this case, we describe a mass arising from the tongue body to the root in a dog. The patient was referred with ptyalism and an eating disorder. An oral examination was performed, and decreased tongue motility was observed. CT scanning was performed, and a lingual mass was detected. A lingual mass sample was collected by biopsy at the postmortem 2 months later. A histopathological examination was performed, and the lingual mass was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma.

Comparison of 99m Tc-Tin colloid colloid and 99m Tc-DISIDA Hepatoscintigraphy in Miniature Pigs

Non-invasive evaluation of liver function in animal models remains a challenge. Hepatoscintigraphy provides information about changes in liver size and shape, and enables to understand general liver function. Futhermore it is readily used to diagnosis complications of liver transplantation like hepatitis, rejections and biliary complications. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of evaluating the liver function in miniature pigs with colloid and which are the most commonly used radiopharmaceuticals in human medicine. In result, colloid was uptaked in lung, liver, gastric wall and kidney in miniature pigs. And showed continuous uptake images of heart, lung, liver, gallbladder and duodenum, and it was similar to human`s. Therefore we could conclude colloid would not be suitable for evaluating hepatic function because of it`s nonspecific affinity, however scintigraphy would be an effective method for detecting hepatobiliary function in miniature pigs.